Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) secretary Oleksandr Turchynov sent his congratulations to Ukrainians on Christmas day.

"Dear friends, I wish you all a Merry Christmas! May your homes will always be warm and cozy, may the Lord bless you, your families and our dear Ukraine!" he said, Censor.NET reports.

"In 431, the 3rd Ecumenical Council decided to celebrate Christmas on Dec. 25, the day after the winter solstice, when the night is getting shorter and darkness gives way to the light,'' Turchynov reminded.

''It is not quite correct to call this holiday a "Catholic Christmas." Firstly, the break between Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches took place 500 years later, in 1054. Secondly, Christmas is celebrated today not only by Catholics and Protestants, but by many Orthodox churches around the world as well. The entire civilized world celebrates Christmas according to the Gregorian calendar. The Julian calendar is 2,000 years since out of date," he said.

"I do not think we should wait until Verkhovna Rada will make this day an official holiday. We should start celebrating Christmas now with all civilized nations who respect the law, responsibility and reason. Let's celebrate Christmas today, on Dec. 25, along with the rest of Europe, together with the whole world! Christ is born! Let's Glorify Him!" the Turchynov's greeting reads.

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